COLLEGEVILLE — Gathered around the huddle after a 20-9 victory over Franklin & Marshall College in its Centennial Conference home opener on Saturday, Ursinus’ Kevin James and the rest of the defense raised a sledgehammer in the air and let out a triumphant scream that reverberated through the confines of Patterson Field on a relatively hot September afternoon.

For James and the defense, that sledgehammer epitomized what the Bears did to a Franklin & Marshall offense that came into the game averaging 351 yards a game — they flattened them.

Leading 20-9 late in the fourth quarter, James capped a stingy defensive effort with the hit of the game, coming off the edge and laying out Diplomats quarterback E.J. Schneider with a vicious — but legal — hit just as he released the ball.

The hit sent shockwaves through the crowd at Patterson Field as it effectively ended Schneider’s day as well as the Diplomats’ chances of completing a comeback. With Schneider out, backup quarterback Anthony Carlucci subsequently threw an incomplete pass on fourth down to give the Bears possession with little over two minutes remaining.

“Nine points on a team that has been lighting it up,” Ursinus head coach Peter Gallagher said. “Our defense was awesome all game.”

Despite the excellent defensive showing, the Bears were slow to get the ball rolling earlier in the game.

Franklin & Marshall stymied a potent Ursinus ground game in the first half, holding Bears leading rusher Jason Golderer to only 22 yards on nine carries. The Diplomats were equally as effective in containing quarterback Chris Curran as the senior had only 92 yards passing on six of 10 attempts.

The Bears added to their frustration in the first half as their drives were stalled by untimely penalties and missed assignments. Four penalties for 37 yards resulted in the Bears converting only three of eight third downs.

Facing a 9-0 deficit, the Bears capitalized on excellent field position and went 38 yards on two plays, culminating in a one-yard plunge by Curran to bring Ursinus within a 9-6 margin.

In the second half the Bears continued to find their stride.

With its defense performing to expectations, Golderer and the Ursinus offense started to find its rhythm. Following a three-and-out on their first possession, the Bears, with the help of 29 rushing yards from Golderer, went on a six-play, 66-yard drive ending with a one-yard score from Golderer to give the Bears a 13-9 lead.

“We just had to find our run. We got off time; we don’t want to get off time,” Gallagher said. “They’re (Franklin & Marshall) a good club. You get off time against good clubs and you’re going to have your work cut out for you.”

Curran put the dagger in the Diplomats’ chances when he overcame a botched play, scrambled out of the pocket, and ran 57 yards to pay dirt to give the Bears a commanding 20-9 lead in the fourth quarter.

Curran finished the game 12 of 20 for 190 yards, one interception and two rushing touchdowns. Golderer finished the game with 118 yards rushing on 30 attempts and one touchdown. Jerry Rahill led the team with five receptions for 110 yards. Greg Disanto led the Bears with seven tackles. James had the team’s only sack.

Schneider finished the day 22 of 42 for 193 yards and one touchdown. The quarterback also led the team in rushing yards, picking up 63 yards on 11 carries.

Ursinus, 3-0 for the first time since 2010, will face McDaniel College next Saturday at Patterson Field. The Green Terror (1-2) were lit up on Saturday, losing to Muhlenberg College 58-0.